Meta's Legal Battle: A Clash Over Social Media Monopoly

Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is facing a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, alleging it purchased Instagram and WhatsApp to crush emerging competition. A judge has ruled the lawsuit should proceed, marking a significant step in antitrust actions against major tech companies.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is set to face trial following a U.S. Federal Trade Commission lawsuit that accuses the firm of quashing emerging competition through strategic acquisitions. This development follows a judge's decision to largely reject Meta's plea to dismiss the case.

The FTC alleges Meta's acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were intended to eliminate potential threats to its dominance. The judge has upheld these claims, although one particular allegation about restricting third-party app developers' access was dismissed.

The ruling is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech by the FTC and U.S. Department of Justice, with several high-profile lawsuits targeting companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google's parent company Alphabet.

(With inputs from agencies.)